Nebraska’s season finale did not go as planned by any means whatsoever, as Iowa fans took over Memorial Stadium in the final minutes and won the Heroes Game, 40-16.
After both teams punted in the opening drive, Nebraska would score first Emmett Johnson would break away for a 71 yard score, but was clawed back on review and had the ball placed at the six-inch line. That score was punched in one play later. Iowa was forced to settle for a field goal just a few minutes later from Drew Stevens, and then would take the lead with a 35 yard touchdown pass from Mark Gronowski to DJ Vonnahme.
Nebraska’s struggles were a quiet rumble. The ensuing drive stalled out at the 18 yard line, and the Huskers were forced to settle with tying the score. The Huskers would get a big break with a muffed kickoff return which was recovered by Yutan product Derek Wacker, but a drive stalling at the 11 yard line saw Kyle Cunanan send another through the uprights, settling for a 13-10 lead when looking for a 17-10 lead. After Kamari Moulton’s first rushing touchdown of the day, Nebraska would settle for three points from the Iowa 17, and Iowa would score to take the lead for good with a 75 yard drive in 2 minutes, leading to a Gronowski goal line punch-in.
The Huskers wouldnt score in the second half, while Iowa would add 16 points in the second half. A muffed punt from Jacory Barney while being tackled from an Iowa defender leading with the crown of the helmet led to a Nebraska safety, while Gronowski and Moulton would get short field touchdowns.
The Huskers outrushed Iowa, 231-213, with a legendary day from Emmett Johnson. In what could have been his final home game as a Husker, Johnson had 217 yards on 29 attempts, alongside the touchdown in the first quarter. He was the first Husker to rush for 200 yards since 2014. Iowa would pick up three of their scores through the ground and one through the air, with the Hawkeyes dominating in the air, 166-69. TJ Lateef went 9-24 passing, while Mark Gronowski was 9-16 for 166 yards and a touchdown pass to Vonnahme.
At 7-5, Nebraska now awaits a bowl game.
